9 days from now we have a support goal of $10,000 of which I currently only have $7,800 of. I’ve already seen miracles happen right before my eyes in the last 2 1/2 months, so I have no doubt God can do some mind blowing stuff, but as of now I have no idea where this 2,000 dollars will come from. All I can ask is that you be in serious prayer for the next two weeks. And I can assure you I will be doing the same.
Where we are staying this month is like a five star Hilton according to World Race accomodation standards. We couldn’t ask for a more blessed month as far as physical comforts. This place is currently being used as a summer camp and sort of conference venue; but was once an orphanage. Unfortunately a number of years ago, due to a change in governement standards, most of the children were forced to leave. The few young women who remain are now more or less employees/family, who help when groups (like us!) stay. The girls make and serve our meals, they wash our laundry, clean the guest house, maintain the chapel and property in general and so, so much more.
Our ministry has been an array of tasks and outreaches. We’ve handed out food and clothes to gypsies, fellowshipped with local believers, evangelized in the park, cleaned, painted, and made beds at our ministry site (thanks to my summer at Half Moon I’m already pretty much a PRO at this!). Our contact also sets up a secondhand thrift sale once a month. She works with a couple from Germany who sends over secondhand clothing by the TRUCK LOAD! Which we get to rummage through for hidden gems—I mean, sort and organize for the upcoming sale. ; )
Bucharest has definitely seen better days. We have had the opportunity of doing quite a bit of exploring, both on our days off and for ministry. For about 20 years Romania was a communist country and the remnents of that are still seen in the bleak and cookie cutter concrete structures throughout the city. I feel like Romania is a harsh country…people are not open and eager to hearing from strangers here, unlike in our last two countries. The spiritual climate and overall atmosphere is completely different. Other than physically serving here at Casa Shalom, I believe our biggest influence in Romania will be our prayers.
There is a battle going on in Romania. Not the type of battle that includes nuclear warfare and top secret missions, but a battle for the hearts of the people. Since communisms end here, the Romanian people have taken advantage of their freedom of ownership. And because of this new found freedom their hearts are quickly becoming bound to their possessions. This seems to create a pretty big disinterest in God.
Therefore, our only weapon, is our prayers and our faith that God wants these people.
So I know this was a long one. Eeek. Sorry for that. Hopefully you can get an accurate picture of what Romania is like from though.
…and speaking of pictures. Here are a few actual photos as well!
Spring cleaning at Casa Shalom! Cleaning the Church..
Waiting for the bus
There just so happens to be a Patiserie at the bus stop…
Taking the tram to the park..
We spent a day evangelising in the park…
playing music and slack-lining and attracting a crowd.
What else would I do on my day off?
Bucharest at its finest.
